Social media and new legislation - 'For the good of their wellbeing'

Dear Parents and Carers, 

I am writing to inform you about an important piece of legislation that will affect how children use social media. 

The Government has passed a new legislation Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, with the aim of protecting our children from online harms associated with social media use. 

Information about the legislation:

• The new law will take effect on the 10th of December 2025. 
• Under this legislation, social media platforms have the responsibility for implementing age restrictions, rather than the legal burden on parents or children.
• Social Media platforms are expected to provide users with a choice of age assurance methods, including alternative to government issued identification. 
• The new law applies both to new accounts and to existing accounts held by under 16-year-olds once the law takes effect.

Which platforms are age-restricted:

There is no formal list of platforms that will be restricted. The legislation's concept of an "age-restricted social media platform" is defined as an electronic service whose sole purpose or a significant purpose is to enable online social interaction between two or more end-users, allows end-users to link to or interact with some or all the other end-users, and allows end-users to post material on the service.

Some platforms included: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (Twitter) and YouTube

Why does this matter for your family:

As a parent or carer, you likely already manage and monitor your child's online activity. This law reflects broader concerns about how social media use can affect children's wellbeing. The Government stated its aim to reduce the risk of harm to age-restricted users of social media.

What does this mean for your child:

If your child is under the age of 16, they will be required not to hold a social media account on the platforms covered. Even if your child already has an account, the platform will need to identify and take steps for compliance once the law begins. 

Next steps you can take: A recommendation

• Start open and ongoing conversations - Talk about what the new law means and that social media platforms will soon require users to be 16 years or older.
• Review and manage existing social media accounts – Sit down with your child and review social media platforms they use. Save or download meaningful memories.
• Build digital literacy and critical thinking - Help your child understand how social media works (algorithms, targeted ads, likes, and why people only show certain parts of their lives online). Introduce trusted websites such as esafety.gov.au for videos, games, and family guides on staying safe online.
• Create healthy technological routines - Establish screen-free times and zones (e.g., during meals or after a certain time at night). Encourage social connections such as sport or community groups.
• Use parental tools and safety settings.
• Collaborate with your school and other parents - Connect with other parents to share strategies and support.
• Support your child emotionally through the change – Validate their feelings, reassure them that friendships can continue in other ways. Remind them that this law is about protection, not punishment. 

Please note that the information provided above is only a brief overview of the new legislation — for more detailed and up-to-date guidance, parents are encouraged to visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website at https://www.esafety.gov.au/ 

Sara Ljuboja
School Counsellor